[672brlbaby]

One step closer. Then i can work on the other side. The hardtop part of the frame is done. Or as done as i think i can get it. Welding underneath facing up was a treat, but finally worked out. Have to make some kind of template to come up with the missing piece of the conv box end. Hopefully next week. Not as pretty as original, but i think much stronger than the rusted gak that i replaced.

Jim

[dataway]

Without a doubt stronger than what you started with

[672brlbaby]

According to my last post it has been 2 months since i have been in the garage for playtime. Thats depressing. Have a few new pics to prove i didn't fall off the planet in the middle of this job.

The neighbor and i made paper templates for the boxed side of the frame. Went to his welder friends shop and he cut the bottom/side, and top piece. I welded the bottom/side on first and with a little trimming it seems to fit right.
The top side piece, took a little banging around because it curves from front to back, and from side to side. Got a nice matching curve and welded it on top. The little top curve banged into place on the 3rd shot, so i was happy. I hope to get it cleaned up on thursday so it looks right. We shall see. Cheers!

Jim

[rohrt]

Nice work.

Single stall garage to boot. I like it.

[672brlbaby]

Thanks Rohrt. It is a small work area. I am 6'3" and constantly kicking things with my workboots. But still better than working in the snow. Love playtime.

[gene simmons]

Looks good Jim,your getting there.

[672brlbaby]

ok, here is what i ended up with. Don't know that i can do better on the seam on top unless i use a cutting wheel on a dremel. Thought i was done, and realized the left corner on the bottom is open. looked at the other side and it should not be open. So i'm not quite so done as i thought. But i think using the por15 and the restogrip on it, the frame should turn out pretty well.

Hopefully next week i can finish that and then start on the pass side.

[squidtone]

Beautiful job, it's nice to see some care in the craftsmanship for a good looking repair.

[672brlbaby]

Have a question, this is on the pass side. The seam along the bottom where the box folds over. In the pic you can see where the hardtop part going down the middle had rusted away, and i cut off the rest. the rust creeped into the seam. I spent time with the 1/4 grinder and the tear drop bit and got most of it out, i can see in the pic a spot i missed. The overlap is so wide that i am not worried about grinding some more off, But if i spend some time with a wire brush and the naval jelly, will it be clean enough to just weld back over it until i have the original curve back? Thanks,

Jim